Senator Adams Oshiomhole says the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola refused to trade away his June 12, 1993 presidential mandate to the late military head of state, Sani Abacha. Speaking during a June 12 lecture titled “June 12 and Beyond” in Akure, Ondo State, Oshiomhole links his account to his role in a Nigeria Labour Congress delegation that met Abacha in Abuja after the June 12 election was annulled.
According to Oshiomhole, Abacha told the delegation he was willing to tolerate anything and offer anything to get Abiola to relinquish his claim to the presidency. However, Oshiomhole says Abacha was not willing to accept the idea that Abiola had proclaimed himself President of Nigeria. He adds that despite pressure from government officials and intermediaries, Abiola would not surrender the responsibility, insisting that he was elected by Nigerians and would not “sell” the mandate entrusted to him.
The outlets also report Oshiomhole uses the account to emphasize themes of principle and democratic commitment, and he discusses contemporary security and constitutional reform, including the move toward state police.
